JGOVERNMENT OF MEETINGS AND 0WVENTIONS- PARL1AMNTARY ItULES.                 215 

cause, or measure. The call should contain
some general directions as to the mode of elect-
ing delegates.
The night before the conveition a caucus is
generally held in the several towns of the
county, for the purpose of selecting delegates
to attend the same. These delegates are some-
times instructed by the meeting to vote for cer-
tain men or measures, in the convention.
Two sets of officers are chosen in the conven-
tion-temporary, and permanent. The first is
for the purpose of conducting the business pre-
paratory to organization.
The temporary chairman is chosen in the
manner heretofore designated.     In selecting
the permanent officers, it is usual to allow the
delegation from each county, district or town-
ship, the right to name one member of the com-

mittee on permanent organization. In order to
save time, it is common to appoint a committee,
at the same time, on credentials, whose duty it
is to ascertain if each delegate is entitled to vote
in the convention.
During the interval that follows, it is custom-
ary, while the committees are engaged in their
labors, to call upon various prominent men to
address the gathering.
The officers recommended by the committee
chosen for the purpose, are generally elected;
the real business of the convention can now be
performed.
. It is customary to give the thanks of the con-
vention to its officers just previous to adjourn-
ment. In that case, the member who makes the
motion puts the question- upon its adoption,
and declares the result.

PAL     NTARY RULES.*

HE foregoing illustration of the method
of conducting public meetings and
iconventions will give the reader a
general idea of the mode of procedure
in the organization and management
of any public gathering; as many
questions arise, however, concerning parliament-
ary usage on disputed questions, the following
rules of order will be of interest to all persons
who may have occasion to participate in the
work of public meetings:
Duties of the President of a Meeting.
The presiding officer of a meeting should possess acuteness
of hearing, a clear, distinct voice, positiveness of-manner, self-
possession, and a clear understanding of his duties, which are
as follows:

SELECTION OF A SECRETARY.
Should no one move the appointment of a secretary, the
president will suggest the necessity of a recording officer, and
will call upon the meeting to nominate a suitable person for
the position. Upon his nomination the chairman will put the
same to vote and announce the result, as he will all motions
and propositions properly presented, that may necessarily arise
in the course of the proceedings.
In making a statement to the assembly, or putting a ques-
tion, it is customary for the chairman to arise and stand while
doing so, though he may retain his seat if much more conve-
nient, while reading any communication or message to the
meeting.
ORDER,
He should strictly maintain order, or call upon some one or
more persons in authority to do so; should see that members
of the meeting, while enQa_ed in the presentin of motions or